Benedict, I, Corke, E, Morgan-Smith, R, Maynard, P, Curran, JM, Buckleton, J & Roux, C 2014, 'Geographical variation of shoeprint comparison class correspondences', Science & Justice, vol. 54, no. 5, pp. 335-337.
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The underlying principles involved in the interpretation of shoeprint comparisons have become a topical subject due to criticisms in the 2009 National Academy of Science (NAS) report on forensic sciences [1] . Difficulties in the application and understanding of these principles were also highlighted in a recent court ruling [25] and subsequent discussion of the ruling. We report here a survey that may inform some aspects of this interpretation and discuss the implications of findings from this survey in the light of that court ruling and more importantly the NAS report. 1,511 shoeprints were taken from student volunteers in Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, New Zealand. 500 shoeprints were sampled from student volunteers at Australian universities. 100 from each of the University of Technology in Sydney, University of Queensland in Brisbane, University of Newcastle, Charles Sturt University in Bathurst and University of Canberra, Australia. These cities are distributed along the east coast of Australia. The shoeprints, taken from each country, were compared against each other for the presence of any pattern correspondences However shoeprints have not been compared between countries. In all locations the pattern of some common and many rare outsole patterns was repeated, with Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars and Vans Canvas Era common in all locations.
Chadwick, S, Xiao, L, Maynard, P, Lennard, C, Spindler, X & Roux, C 2014, 'PolyCyano UV: an investigation into a one-step luminescent cyanoacrylate fuming process', AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 471-484.
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© 2014 Australian Academy of Forensic Sciences. PolyCyano UV (Foster + Freeman Ltd) is a new one-step process for developing luminescent fingermarks using cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming without the need for further chemical treatment. In this study, conditions including the amount of PolyCyano UV powder, the humidity level of the fuming chamber, and the time and temperature of the fuming process were optimised. A variety of different surfaces were tested and aged fingermark samples were also examined. The PolyCyano-UV-developed fingermarks were compared with conventional CA-developed fingermarks and subsequently stained with rhodamine 6G. PolyCyano UV was able to develop high-quality fingermarks on the surfaces tested. However, when examined under UV light, the luminescence of PolyCyano-UV-developed fingermarks was found to be weaker than conventional CA-developed fingermarks that were stained with rhodamine 6G. When used in sequence with rhodamine 6G, PolyCyano UV was found to give significantly improved contrast compared with conventional CA-developed fingermarks stained with rhodamine 6G.
de la Hunty, M, Spindler, X, Chadwick, S, Lennard, C & Roux, C 2014, 'Synthesis and application of an aqueous nile red microemulsion for the development of fingermarks on porous surfaces', FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, vol. 244, pp. E48-E55.
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© 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. An oil-in-water microemulsion containing a luminescent dye, nile red, has been synthesised using a solvent-diffusion method. This has been demonstrated to be effective in developing fresh latent fingermarks on porous surfaces. The working solution is made using a binary surfactant solution to create a lactescent dual organic-aqueous phase intermediate, which subsequently results in a transparent microemulsion after the organic solvent has evaporated. The solution is non-toxic and performs comparatively with a previously published methanolic formulation but at a much lower cost and with an extended shelf life. The microemulsion outperforms a previously reported aqueous nile blue formulation for the development of both charged and natural fresh fingermarks, and requires lower exposure times for image recording.
Fu, S, Luong, S, Pham, A, Charlton, N & Kuzhiumparambil, U 2014, 'Bioanalysis of urine samples after manipulation by oxidizing chemicals: technical considerations', BIOANALYSIS, vol. 6, no. 11, pp. 1543-1561.
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Gunn, P, Walsh, S & Roux, C 2014, 'The nucleic acid revolution continues – will forensic biology become forensic molecular biology?', Frontiers in Genetics, vol. 5, no. MAR, pp. 1-4.
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Molecular biology has evolved far beyond that which could have been predicted at the time DNA identity testing was established. Indeed we should now perhaps be referring to 'forensic molecular biology.' Aside from DNA's established role in identifying the 'who' in crime investigations, other developments in medical and developmental molecular biology are now ripe for application to forensic challenges. The impact of DNA methylation and other post-fertilization DNA modifications, plus the emerging role of small RNAs in the control of gene expression, is re-writing our understanding of human biology. It is apparent that these emerging technologies will expand forensic molecular biology to allow for inferences about 'when' a crime took place and 'what' took place. However, just as the introduction of DNA identity testing engendered many challenges, so the expansion of molecular biology into these domains will raise again the issues of scientific validity, interpretation, probative value, and infringement of personal liberties. This Commentary ponders some of these emerging issues, and presents some ideas on how they will affect the conduct of forensic molecular biology in the foreseeable future. © 2014 Gunn, Walsh and Roux.
Kajer, TB, Fairfull-Smith, KE, Yamasaki, T, Yamada, K-I, Fu, S, Bottle, SE, Hawkins, CL & Davies, MJ 2014, 'Inhibition of myeloperoxidase- and neutrophil-mediated oxidant production by tetraethyl and tetramethyl nitroxides', FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE, vol. 70, pp. 96-105.
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The powerful oxidant HOCl (hypochlorous acid and its corresponding anion, OCl) generated by the myeloperoxidase (MPO)H2O2Cl system of activated leukocytes is strongly associated with multiple human inflammatory diseases; consequently there is considerable interest in inhibition of this enzyme. Nitroxides are established antioxidants of low toxicity that can attenuate oxidation in animal models, with this ascribed to superoxide dismutase or radical-scavenging activities. We have shown (M.D. Rees et al., Biochem. J. 421, 7986, 2009) that nitroxides, including 4-amino-TEMPO (4-amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yloxyl radical), are potent inhibitors of HOCl formation by isolated MPO and activated neutrophils, with IC50 values of 1 and 6 mM respectively. The utility of tetramethyl-substituted nitroxides is, however, limited by their rapid reduction by biological reductants. The corresponding tetraethyl-substituted nitroxides have, however, been reported to be less susceptible to reduction. In this study we show that the tetraethyl species were reduced less rapidly than the tetramethyl species by both human plasma (8999% decreased rate of reduction) and activated human neutrophils (6275% decreased rate). The tetraethyl-substituted nitroxides retained their ability to inhibit HOCl production by MPO and activated neutrophils with IC50 values in the low-micromolar range; in some cases inhibition was enhanced compared to tetramethyl substitution. Nitroxides with rigid structures (fused oxaspiro rings) were, however, inactive. Overall, these data indicate that tetraethyl-substituted nitroxides are potent inhibitors of oxidant formation by MPO, with longer plasma and cellular half-lives compared to the tetramethyl species, potentially allowing lower doses to be employed.
Kula, A, Król, M, Wietecha-Posłuszny, R, Woźniakiewicz, M & Kościelniak, P 2014, 'Application of CE-MS to examination of black inkjet printing inks for forensic purposes', Talanta, vol. 128, no. 1, pp. 92-101.
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The dominant conception of forensic science as a patchwork of disciplines primarily assisting the criminal justice system (defined as 'forensics' in this article) is in crisis, or at least shows a series of anomalies and serious limitations. While the symptoms have been largely discussed previously, we argue that many of the commonly suggested solutions may not solve the fundamental problem. As a solution, we propose the forensic science community revive the forensic science perspective from its historical roots; that is, the study of crime and its traces. This will lead to the development of holistic models to provide a strategy to integrate technologies, and to help scientists develop their potential to engage in a more significant way in policing, crime investigation and, more generally, in criminology, instead of further compartmentalising the various forensic fields.
Lloyd, A, Russell, M, Blanes, L, Somerville, R, Doble, P & Roux, C 2014, 'The application of portable microchip electrophoresis for the screening and comparative analysis of synthetic cathinone seizures', Forensic Science International, vol. 242, pp. 16-23.
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Variation in the chemical composition of illicit tablets and powders is common among samples within a given drug seizure. Using microchip electrophoresis (ME), multiple tablets can be screened in a cost-effective and timely manner. This method could be used in conjunction with reporting methods that focus solely on statistical sampling to infer homogeneity or otherwise of a larger subset of tablets. Some frequently observed synthetic cathinones, often present in illicit tablets seized in New Zealand, were chosen for analysis. An ME device (Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100) was used to electrophoretically separate synthetic cathinones. The background electrolyte was composed of a 50. mM sodium tetraborate buffer with 50. mM sodium dodecyl sulphate at pH 9.66. Analytes were derivatised prior to analysis for 3. min at 90. °C, employing fluorescein isothiocyanate isomer I (FITC). A characteristic fluorescent profile was obtained for each tablet, in terms of the number of constituents, relative peak height ratios and migration times. The repeatability of the developed method was assessed for a wide range of tablets and relative standard deviations of 0.4-5.2% and 1.6-5.5% were calculated for migration times and peak height ratios, respectively. The use of microchip tablet profiles in the forensic case comparison of illicit drug seizure samples in realistic scenarios is discussed. © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Luong, S & Fu, S 2014, 'Detection and identification of 2-nitro-morphine and 2-nitro- morphine-6-glucuronide in nitrite adulterated urine specimens containing morphine and its glucuronides', DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 277-287.
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In vitro urine adulteration is a well-documented practice adopted by individuals aiming to evade detection of drug use, when required to undergo mandatory sports and workplace drug testing. Potassium nitrite is an effective urine adulterant due to its oxidizing potential, and has been shown to mask the presence of many drugs of abuse. However, limited research has been conducted to understand its mechanism of action, and to explore the possibility of the drugs undergoing direct oxidation to form stable reaction products. In this study, opiates including morphine, codeine, morphine-3-glucuronide and morphine-6-glucuronide were exposed to potassium nitrite in water and urine to mimic the process of nitrite adulteration. It was found that two stable reaction products were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) when morphine and morphine-6-glucuronide were exposed to nitrite. Isolation and elucidation using spectrometric and spectroscopic techniques revealed that they were 2-nitro-morphine and 2-nitro-morphine-6-glucuronide, respectively. These reaction products were also formed when an authentic morphine-positive urine specimen was fortified with nitrite. 2-Nitro-morphine was found to be stable enough to undergo the enzymatic hydrolysis procedure and also detectable by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after forming a trimethylsilyl derivative. On the contrary, morphine-3-glucuronide did not appear to be chemically manipulated when exposed to potassium nitrite in urine.
Luong, S, Ung, AT, Kalman, J & Fu, S 2014, 'Transformation of codeine and codeine-6-glucuronide to opioid analogues by urine adulteration with pyridinium chlorochromate: potential issue for urine drug testing', RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, vol. 28, no. 14, pp. 1609-1620.
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Marriott, C, Lee, R, Wilkes, Z, Comber, B, Spindler, X, Roux, C & Lennard, C 2014, 'Evaluation of fingermark detection sequences on paper substrates', FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, vol. 236, pp. 30-37.
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It is generally accepted that the amino acid reagent consisting of 1,2-indanedione and a catalytic amount of zinc chloride, referred to as IND-Zn, is the single best method for the detection of latent fingermarks on paper substrates and that ninhydrin is of limited value when used in sequence after this reagent. However, recent research has suggested that the sequence 1,8-diazafluoren-9-one (DFO) followed by ninhydrin may actually produce a greater number of fingermarks than IND-Zn on its own or IND-Zn followed by ninhydrin.This study focussed on the evaluation of two fingermark detection sequences for porous surfaces: (1) IND-Zn followed by ninhydrin, physical developer (PD) and the lipid stain nile red; and (2) DFO followed by ninhydrin, PD and nile red. The evaluation was undertaken using a range of latent fingermark donors and on a number of paper substrates that are commonly encountered in Australia. In addition, a pseudo-operational trial was completed on 5-year-old university examination booklets. Parallel studies were undertaken at two locations: Sydney (temperate, coastal climate) and Canberra (relatively dry, continental climate).The results of the donor study indicated that there was a negligible difference in performance between the two sequences across all paper types and all time periods evaluated. When considering individual reagents, IND-Zn generally developed better quality fingermarks compared to DFO; however, ninhydrin had a greater enhancement effect on DFO developed marks than after IND-Zn. In the pseudo-operational trials, the IND-Zn sequence outperformed the DFO sequence. Nile red did not develop any additional marks at the end of each sequence and, as a result, the use of this technique at the end of a full sequence is of questionable value.The overall outcome was that the sequence IND-Zn followed by ninhydrin and PD is recommended for the processing of common paper substrates under the conditions typically experienced at the two...
McCord, B 2014, 'Forensic Analysis', ELECTROPHORESIS, vol. 35, no. 21-22, pp. 3019-3019.
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Molnar, A, Fu, S, Lewis, J, Allsop, DJ & Copeland, J 2014, 'The detection of THC, CBD and CBN in the oral fluid of Sativex (R) patients using two on-site screening tests and LC-MS/MS', FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, vol. 238, pp. 113-119.
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Sativex® is an oromucosal spray used to treat spasticity in multiple sclerosis sufferers in some European countries, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand. The drug has also recently been registered by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia for treatment of multiple sclerosis. Sativex® contains high concentrations of ?9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), with the former being the subject of random roadside drug tests across Australia to detect cannabis use. This pilot study aims to determine whether or not patients taking Sativex® will test positive to THC using these roadside screening tests. Detectable levels of THC, CBD and cannabinol (CBN) in their oral fluid were also confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The study was a double-blind, placebo controlled design. Oral fluid was tested prior to and immediately after dosing with either Sativex® or placebo at intervals up to 2 h after the dose. Two Sativex® doses were studied. The low dose contained 5.4 mg THC, the high dose 21.6 mg THC. Results indicate that the primary screening test used in Australian roadside drug testing, the DrugWipe® II Twin, often gave a false negative response for THC, even with high concentrations present. However, secondary screening test, Cozart® DDS (used by police after a DrugWipe test gives a positive result), gave true positive results in all cases where patients were being treated with Sativex1. Confirmatory testing showed high concentrations of THC and CBD (>5356 ng/mL THC and >3826 ng/mL CBD) in the oral fluid shortly after dosing and also elevated concentrations of CBN. Levels dropped quickly but remained at detectable concentrations (>67.6 ng/mL) two hours after drug administration. The average concentration ratio of THC/CBD across all positive samples was 1.10 (%RSD 19.9) reflecting the composition of the Sativex® spray. In conclusion, Sativex® users may test positive for THC by roadside drug testing wi...
Morelato, M, Baechler, S, Ribaux, O, Beavis, A, Tahtouh, M, Kirkbride, P, Roux, C & Margot, P 2014, 'Forensic intelligence framework-Part I: Induction of a transversal model by comparing illicit drugs and false identity documents monitoring', FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL, vol. 236, pp. 181-190.
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Forensic intelligence is a distinct dimension of forensic science. Forensic intelligence processes have mostly been developed to address either a specific type of trace or a specific problem. Even though these empirical developments have led to successes, they are trace-specific in nature and contribute to the generation of silos which hamper the establishment of a more general and transversal model. Forensic intelligence has shown some important perspectives but more general developments are required to address persistent challenges. This will ensure the progress of the discipline as well as its widespread implementation in the future. This paper demonstrates that the description of forensic intelligence processes, their architectures, and the methods for building them can, at a certain level, be abstracted from the type of traces considered. A comparative analysis is made between two forensic intelligence approaches developed independently in Australia and in Europe regarding the monitoring of apparently very different kind of problems: illicit drugs and false identity documents. An inductive effort is pursued to identify similarities and to outline a general model. Besides breaking barriers between apparently separate fields of study in forensic science and intelligence, this transversal model would assist in defining forensic intelligence, its role and place in policing, and in identifying its contributions and limitations. The model will facilitate the paradigm shift from the current case-by-case reactive attitude towards a proactive approach by serving as a guideline for the use of forensic case data in an intelligence-led perspective. A follow-up article will specifically address issues related to comparison processes, decision points and organisational issues regarding forensic intelligence (part II). © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.
Morelato, M, Beavis, A, Tahtouh, M, Ribaux, O, Kirkbride, P & Roux, C 2014, 'The use of organic and inorganic impurities found in MDMA police seizures in a drug intelligence perspective', SCIENCE & JUSTICE, vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 32-41.
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Traditional forensic drug profiling involves numerous analytical techniques, and the whole process is typically costly and may be time consuming. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of prioritising techniques utilised at the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for the chemical profiling of 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA). The outcome would provide the AFP with the ability to obtain more timely and valuable results that could be used in an intelligence perspective. Correlation coefficients were used to obtain a similarity degree between a population of linked samples (within seizures) and a population of unlinked samples (between different seizures) and discrimination between the two populations was ultimately achieved. The results showed that gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was well suited as a single technique to detect links between seizures and could be used in priority for operational intelligence purposes. Furthermore, the method was applied to seizures known or suspected (through their case information) to be linked to each other to assess the chemical similarity between samples. It was found that half of the seizures previously linked by the case number were also linked by the chemical profile. This procedure was also able to highlight links between cases that were previously unsuspected and retrospectively confirmed by circumstantial information. The findings are finally discussed in the broader forensic intelligence context, with a focus on how they could be successfully incorporated into investigations and in an intelligence-led policing perspective in order to understand trafficking markets. © 2014 Forensic Science Society.
Pesenti, A, Taudte, RV, McCord, B, Doble, P, Roux, C & Blanes, L 2014, 'Coupling Paper-Based Microfluidics and Lab on a Chip Technologies for Confirmatory Analysis of Trinitro Aromatic Explosives', ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, vol. 86, no. 10, pp. 4707-4714.
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A new microfluidic paper-based analytical device (μPAD) in conjunction with confirmation by a lab on chip analysis was developed for detection of three trinitro aromatic explosives. Potassium hydroxide was deposited on the μPADs (0.5 μL, 1.5 M), creating a color change reaction when explosives are present, with detection limits of approximately 7.5 ± 1.0 ng for TNB, 12.5 ± 2.0 ng for TNT and 15.0 ± 2.0 ng for tetryl. For confirmatory analysis, positive μPADs were sampled using a 5 mm hole-punch, followed by extraction of explosives from the punched chad in 30 s using 20 μL borate/SDS buffer. The extractions had efficiencies of 96.5 ± 1.7%. The extracted explosives were then analyzed with the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer lab on a chip device with minimum detectable amounts of 3.8 ± 0.1 ng for TNB, 7.0 ± 0.9 ng for TNT, and 4.7 ± 0.2 ng for tetryl. A simulated in-field scenario demonstrated the feasibility of coupling the μPAD technique with the lab on a chip device to detect and identify 1 μg of explosives distributed on a surface of 100 cm2. © 2014 American Chemical Society.
Stojanovska, N, Kelly, T, Tahtouh, M, Beavis, A & Fu, S 2014, 'Analysis of amphetamine-type substances and piperazine analogues using desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry', RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, vol. 28, no. 7, pp. 731-740.
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RATIONALE: Although amphetamine-type substances (ATS) have been investigated extensively in recent years, scarce data is available on screening tests for piperazine analogues. The need for a universal technique capable of detecting an extensive range of drug compounds becomes increasingly important with the continued emergence of novel drug analogues. METHODS: Desorption electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is a technique that allows examination of compounds in drug materials directly from ambient surfaces. In this study, DESI-MS was utilised in the analysis of ATS including amphetamine (AP), methylamphetamine (MA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA), N,N-dimethylamphetamine (DMA), 4-methoxyamphetamine (PMA) and 4-methoxymethylamphetamine (PMMA), and piperazine analogues including 1-benzylpiperazine (BZP), 1-[3-trifluoromethyl)phenyl]piperazine (TFMPP), 1-(3- chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP) and 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)piperazine (MeOPP). Semi-porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon) sheets welled with a 3 mm hole punch were used to contain the 2 µL liquid sample (spot size 7 mm2). RESULTS: The limits of detection (LODs) of these compounds using DESI-MS were determined to be in the range 0.022.80 µg/mm2. The intra-day and inter-day precision of the technique were <25% and <33%, respectively. DESI-MS was successful in determining the compound of interest and reaction by-products and impurities in the samples tested (such as 1,4-dibenzylpiperazine in BZP samples) with the exception of those present in trace amounts. The effects of common adulterants on the detectability of MA were evaluated. The addition of magnesium stearate to MA significantly enhanced the signal response. CONCLUSIONS: This work has demonstrated the applicability of DESI-MS in the screening and profiling of MDMA, PMMA, BZP, TFMPP, mCPP, MeOPP as well as other complex mixtures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stojanovska, N, Tahtouh, M, Kelly, T, Beavis, A & Fu, S 2014, 'Presumptive analysis of 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone) using Desorption Electrospray Ionisation - Mass Spectrometry (DESI-MS)', AUSTRALIAN JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCES, vol. 46, no. 4, pp. 411-423.
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4-Methylmethcathione (4-MMC or mephedrone) is a prevalent drug of abuse globally. 4-MMC is often marketed as `bath salts and is readily available over the internet. The need for a rapid universal technique capable of detecting an extensive range of drug compounds has become increasingly important with the continued emergence of novel drug analogues. Desorption electrospray ionisation - mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) is a mass spectrometry technique that allows for the analysis of compounds directly from ambient surfaces, reducing or eliminating the need for sample preparation. Although 4-MMC has gained significant attention in recent years, the application of the DESI-MS technique to the fast presumptive detection and chemical analysis of this analogue has not been presented. In the present study, DESI-MS was applied to the rapid qualitative analysis of 4-MMC. A particularly suitable surface, semi-porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) was utilised, as it generated the least variable signal and reproducibility compared to other surfaces (polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)). Selectivity of the technique to the detection of 4-MMC was evaluated by analysing a range of adulterated samples including mixtures containing caffeine, methylamphetamine, cathinone and paracetamol. Specificity based on tandem MS (MS/MS) was also demonstrated by analysing substances with the same molecular formula as 4-MMC. Accuracy (% RE) and precision (% RSD) of the method were found to be within 13% and 38%, respectively; and therefore the quantitative data provided by the DESI-MS method is limited compared to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS; accuracy < 13% and precision < 12%). The results suggest that DESI-MS can greatly aid in the rapid presumptive identification of 4-MMC and other similar novel drug analogues.
Taudte, RV, Beavis, A, Blanes, L, Cole, N, Doble, P & Roux, C 2014, 'Detection of Gunshot Residues Using Mass Spectrometry', BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL, vol. 2014, pp. 1-16.
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In recent years, forensic scientists have become increasingly interested in the detection and interpretation of organic gunshot residues (OGSR) due to the increasing use of lead- and heavy metal-free ammunition. This has also been prompted by the identification of gunshot residue- (GSR-) like particles in environmental and occupational samples. Various techniques have been investigated for their ability to detect OGSR. Mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to a chromatographic system is a powerful tool due to its high selectivity and sensitivity. Further, modern MS instruments can detect and identify a number of explosives and additives which may require different ionization techniques. Finally, MS has been applied to the analysis of both OGSR and inorganic gunshot residue (IGSR), although the 'gold standard' for analysis is scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray microscopy (SEM-EDX). This review presents an overview of the technical attributes of currently available MS and ionization techniques and their reported applications to GSR analysis. © 2014 Regina Verena Taudte et al.
Ueland, M, Breton, HA & Forbes, SL 2014, 'Bacterial populations associated with early-stage adipocere formation in lacustrine waters', INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE, vol. 128, no. 2, pp. 379-387.
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The preservation of soft tissue is a valuable evidence for forensic investigation as it may provide information about the cause and manner of death as well as the time since death. Adipocere forms from the conversion of triglycerides in the neutral fats into stable fatty acids producing a solid white product which aids tissue preservation. Adipocere will typically form in water-logged grave sites and aquatic environments. Documentation on the chemical and microbiological changes that cause adipocere formation in aquatic environments is scant and mostly based on observational case reports. The aim of this study was to monitor the early adipocere formation in lacustrine waters to investigate the effect of aquatic bacteria on adipocere formation. Tissue samples from pork (Sus scrofa domesticus) belly were submerged in water samples from Lake Ontario and deionised water (control). Bacteria samples from both water and tissue were harvested. Changes in the fatty acid composition of the tissue were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Early-stage adipocere formation was confirmed on porcine tissue submerged in lake water but was not identified on porcine tissue submerged in deionised water. Adipocere formation required an abundance of gram-positive bacteria during the early postmortem period to assist in lipolysing the triglycerides into free fatty acids. Formation of adipocere in the lake water resulted in a decrease in bacterial concentrations in the tissue over time.